After 8 years of doing my web talk show, I thought it was time to share some outtakes and bloopers. And what a better time to do it than the holidays, right? Usually for my Christmas Spectacular I like to hit the streets and cause some Christmas-y mayhem, but this year I thought some bloopers might make a better gift to ya’ll, my peeps. Because what’s more fun than watching me mess up and make even more of an idiot out of myself than usual, right? So grab a nice big mug of cocoa, sit back, relax, and click play. Time to watch The Resident Lori Harfenist try really hard to make it work. Snippets are from the following shows: Responsibility of Wall Street, Six Ways to Save, How the Auto Bailout Can Save Our Country>/a>, 10 Differences Between Obama and McCain, Mass Media Sucks, How to Environment, Stop Buying Gossip Magazines, and more from my work on NBCNewYork.com.

In this political video, I hit the street to ask the good people of Brooklyn what change specifically they expect President-Elect Obama to bring. Some people had good, solid answers that seem feasible. Some people just had colossal expectations short only of the Second Coming. And those people will be greatly disappointed, I’m afraid. I voted for Barack Obama because I want to see a change in this country’s god-awful culture. For too long, we’ve been worshipping celebrity, ogling material goods, fattening our waistbands, and not giving two craps about any other culture or peoples. To me, that’s been one of the worst problems in our country. And to me, just having a liberal, leftist, African-American president immediately shifts that. Someone who isn’t an old white man can be president, it means, and that alone is a fact that bends the cultural norms of this country. So I’m satisfied with my choice already. And, I’m not expecting him to change all THAT much else, to be honest. Because at the end of the day, that one man is going to have to work with a whole lot of crooked, old politicians who all owe lobbyists and special interests up the yin-yang. That hasn’t changed, and that’s a big piece of the puzzle. So to all the people waiting for Obama to turn this country into a Utopia, I say: chill. It ain’t going down like that. And to all the people sneering at those people saying, we told you he wasn’t a savior, I say: chill. He HAS made a big impact already, and at least let him start the job before your leer becomes permanent.

President Elect Barack Obama ran on a platform of change. It’s been a month since he was elected, and though he hasn’t even taken office yet, the world – led by the media – is already demanding to see this change. This is annoying to me, so I thought it was time for some political commentary. People! He hasn’t even taken office yet! Why are we already standing in judgment of how Obama is doing on the job when he isn’t on the job yet? Once again, the real reason is the media and their lovely way of trying to dig a story out of thin air. I know everyone has sponsors to answer to and with the advent of 24-hour news channels, it’s really hard to always be good and always be ethical. But still. Can’t we be a little more creative than to criticize a President Elect? That’s just lame. Once he starts the job in January, then it’s the time to judge him. If he starts screwing up on the job, by all means, critique away. I’ll be the first in line, actually. But let’s just wait til he gets into office, ok? Ok. Thanks. That’s my political commentary for this week. What’s yours?

It's the holidays, people. I am taking the week off. But I still thought I might try to make you laugh with this funny video. Because what's better to help you digest Thanksgiving Turkey than watching someone punch someone else hard in the face?

This is some classic alternative news reporting right here for you. I thought I’d hit the streets to ask people how they are handling the global economic recession, and the responses I got were a whole lotta fun. Most people are starting to cut back in sensible ways, like going out to eat less or not buying crap they don’t need. And hey, we could use less crap on the planet anyway, right? So that’s one positive about the recession, right? Ok, so yes, it really sucks that people are losing their homes and many are having trouble putting food on the table. I’m having a really rough time of it right now myself. But the bottom line is, if we reach down within us deeply, we can usually find stores of energy and resources that we hadn’t yet tapped into. And there is something really beautiful about that, I think. I’m not going to say that the recession is a good thing, even though I’m tempted to for reasons like we don’t buy so much crap and that’s better for the environment and blab la bla. But I will make this funny video to lighten the mood for a little, and to remind people that they can and will survive. Godspeed people.

This one is ripe for political commentary. If you haven’t heard yet, the US government is considering expanding the recent bailout…excuse me…rescue plan…to include fund allotment to the failing US auto industry. Companies like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler will receive funds to help them sustain an industry that supports over 250,000 jobs in the US, plus another 4 million related jobs in our economy. To me, this seems like another knee-jerk reaction, a quick band-aid with no thought of a long-term plan, checks and balances, or anything else I would expect to be present when devising a multi-million dollar plan. I, for one, have an idea of how we can kill two birds with one stone. This is a great opportunity to both help the auto-industry, which has failed us for years, and to help our country get off its dependency on foreign oil. Ever hear of the Manhattan Project? That’s the kind of plan I’m talking about. So I decided to hit the streets of New York City to get some political commentary from passersby on the issue. Watch the video to hear my plan and people’s reactions.

Since Obama’s landslide victory, I have received lots of incredibly racist, hate-filled, ignorant emails, comments, and messages for my political videos. There have been a few emails that were so filled with hate and rage, they sounded like the works of a terrorist. Hey, racist guy that emailed me that apocalyptic diatribe. Guess what? Terrorists don’t call themselves terrorists. They are outraged and filled with hate and are so convinced they are right, too, just as you are, that they think they’re entitled to seethe with hate for people that don’t think like them. JUST LIKE YOU ARE DOING. So guess what, guy who emailed me that pile of hate this week? You have all the makings of a terrorist, much more than our President Elect. So to all you racists out there who are up in arms and are so filled with ignorant hate, chill the hell out and practice that breathing exercise your anger management counselor taught you. And for god’s sake put DOWN your gun or plumber’s wrench or whatever weapon you picked up in a rage, and consider maybe picking up a book. How about a dictionary. It’s called MELANIN, you terrorist. Or even better, pick up your precious Bible and read a few of Jesus’ words. You know, the ones where he urges you to love all people equally and do unto others, and all that. All people are people, people. Life is too short for all this hate and fear. The world is a big, diverse, interesting place. You should keep your eyes open and appreciate it in all its beauty while you can. Because before you know it, you’ll be gone.

This video is about a social issue, even though it’s light-hearted. Here’s my issues this week for my web talk show: A disturbingly large number of girls dress slutty on Halloween. Sexy nurses. Sexy cats. Sexy nuns. Sexy schoolgirls (worst). These are what they call their costumes. To me, there’s nothing remotely sexy about them. To me, they’re just slutty. Sexifying an otherwise normal stereotypical outfit – when did Halloween turn into that? These costumers are just cheap ways to get the wrong kind of attention, fast. But I guess some girls are so desperate for attention that they’ll take it any way they can get it. And I, personally, just don’t get it. This was the main point behind my funny video for Halloween last year, and boy did I hear feedback both supporting and hating on me. I stand by my point, still, and this year I’m going to add to it. Instead of just begging the ladies to grow some self-respect and not slut out for Halloween, I’m going to beg the ladies to grow some self-respect AND originality, and not slut out a Sarah Palin outfit for Halloween. Being slutty is cheap; being Sarah Palin is unoriginal. K. Let the lashings begin anew on my web talk show.

Personally, I don't know anyone who hasn't decided for which candidate they’re voting in the 2008 US Presidential Elections. And yeah, they’re all voting for Obama. I can’t imagine not having made up my mind at this point, either way. How could you not know enough yet? We’ve watched three presidential debates, we’ve seen their stumpy speeches all over the TV, web, and for some of us, even performed live on our streets. Everyone should know the rhetoric and the campaign promises by now. If you don’t, here’s a quick rundown of 10 issues where Obama and McCain have clearly different viewpoints and intentions. But seriously: Do you really trust a campaign promise to come true? I don’t. History kind of proves that, once a candidate gets into office, promises go out the window and reality barges in without knocking. The president has to work with the legislative branch to try to get anything done. Initiatives and bills are bundled, making it almost impossible to keep track of who votes for what. It’s all a big mess down there in Washington, and I can’t imagine wanting the job. So, while I genuinely like Obama’s platforms, I don’t really think they’ll happen quite like he promises. I’m not going to blame him for it; that’s just the way our government works. The real appeal of Obama for me is less about his campaign promises and more about his persona. He speaks in a language that makes sense to me. He doesn’t talk in circles, he doesn’t giggle at inappropriate moments. He doesn’t try to divert my attention away from the issue at hand. These are rare qualities in a politician in our government, and they’re ones I would absolutely love to see in our next President. Not to mention he’s a minority. It’s about time we try someone who isn’t a rich old white dude in the Oval Office. So yeah. I’m voting for Obama. If you still don’t know for whom to vote, maybe this political video will help.

So, the economy in the United States is taking a beating, to the point of becoming the most pressing social issue. People are losing their houses, banks are closing, and the government is taking a socialist approach while vehemently denouncing socialism in any shape or form in the presidential election arena. Whatever to THAT. Anyway...the cause of this economic crisis boils down to one thing, and it's one thing of which the US government and the American people are both guilty: overspending. We've all been buying stuff on credit. We want the big-screen TV, the 5-bedroom house, the range rover, the SkiDoo, the control over oil in the Middle East, all of it, now. And because credit is doled out left and right in this country, even encouraged by our market, we were all able to grab the whole ball of consumerist wax into our greedy clutches. We were living a buy now, pay later lifestyle. Looks like we're beginning to see the massive amount of interest we've accrued. We're, just now, starting to pay for our sedentary, gimme lifestyles, which we've been living for decades. And while we've been living it, our culture and our waistlines have gone bust. The silver lining to me of this economic crisis, then, is this: I think we're going to see the rise in diabetes slow down, more attention paid to finding alternative fuel and energy sources, and a bit more focus on what I think is most important to begin with, which is family. This economic crisis is going to force people out of gluttony and into circles of people gathering together using their collective resourcefulness to try and work this out. So America, here's hoping we've all learned the lesson on financial responsibility and its correlation to our culture and society. Let me know your two cents on this social issue.

The economy is slowly or swiftly tanking, depending on your income level. No matter what your bracket, though, there's a good chance you're starting to feel...well...broke. Personally, I don't think John McCain or Barack Obama have any idea how to fix the problem just yet. so instead of spending another minute hounding them for an economic plan they just don't have, I thought I'd share these incredibly helpful money-saving tips. Because the bottom line is, it's your money. We all have a social responsibility to behave fiscal-ier. You deserve to hold onto every last, gold-free penny, and anyone who wants to tax them away from you to go to schools and other programs can go straight to hell. That's the Christian way, right, right-wing conservatives? Where was I...? Oh right! Watch this week's video! What are your thoughts on this social responsibility issue?

Aside from a few magical numbers on health care and taxes, it was just another pile of rhetoric. Short little political video for ya here.

Political satirist Christopher Buckley was the chief speechwriter of Vice President George H. Bush, and he'll be quick to emphasize that letter, H. He is also William F. Buckley Jr.'s son. He went to Yale, was a member of Skull and Bones, and was the managing editor of Esquire Magazine in his 20s. In other words, he has every reason to be a stodgy, annoying human like many privileged white dudes turn out to be. I don't know him personally, so I can't say that he doesn't, indeed, suck as a human in his personal life. I am, however, a huge fan of his work as a novelist. I mean, huge. I look forward to reading his books like I look forward to a good glass of wine or a giant portion of dessert. His brand of political satire and humor is so exactly what I need right now during these hyper-politically conscious times. So naturally, when I heard he was having a reading at Barnes and Noble, I stalked him grassroots style with my teeny video camera. This is the resulting video. Read more about him on his Wikipedia page.

How/whythefuck is it legal to inflate the value of homes, property, or other assets to the point where a market downswing would mean the disappearance of trillions of dollars? To me, that sounds like nothing more than the behavior of someone with a gambling problem. Except this addict just happens to be a collection of bankers who just pissed away all our tax money. And that pisses me off. I certainly don't take high risks that might cost other individuals their homes. Why/howthefuck can these suits? And how can the government think a bailout will be anything but a band-aid, and a cheap, generic one at that? You know, the kind that falls off after an hour of minor bending? Seriously, doesn’t the government and Wall Street have a little more social responsibility than that? I don't want to see this country fall into a depression any more than the next citizen, but it seems like it was this kind of irresponsible risk-taking that got us into this mess. I don't think it's going to get us out. We need to change our behavior here - as a nation and as individuals - and until that happens, we're just going to continue to keep sliding further into debt, until Mexican pesos finally are worth more than our dollars. Just my devalued two cents.

This is a fun political video if I do say so myself. No one would deny this is a pivotal election year in the United States. Since each American has to choose which candidate gets his or her vote, you'd think our media would focus on presenting helpful information to inform citizens' voting preferences for the betterment of our country. You know, like, FOCUS ON THE ISSUES?! But no, all of our media outlets continue to focus on the sensational, the scandalous, and the sexy parts of the candidates' offerings (the latter of which, a stretch). Instead of talking about Lipstick on a Pig, TV news might consider outlining each candidate's step-by-step plan for healthcare reform. Or how the candidates intend on rescuing us from dependency on oil. But no, it's much more interesting to talk about what designer jacket Sarah Palin was wearing during her fluff speech, right? And that's really going to get our country out of this financial crisis and cultural cesspool, right? Riiiiiight. So, to the American mass media that remains bent on primarily covering the superficial and distracting facets of the election, I salute you, with this incredibly sarcastic political video.

Go green. Environmentally friendly. Eco-conscious. Environmentally sound. Environmentalism. Our culture is on this social responsibility bandwagon, folks, and there is no getting out of it at this point. Now, I personally believe that we all should be better inhabitants with cleaner habits. I never litter, and I always make my bed. I'm generally a neat person, so it just makes sense to me that we be neat wherever we tread. And I also believe there is no denying that our consumerist ways have created more carbon dioxide emissions, which in turn are bad for the planet. The extent of human-caused damage is arguable; the fact that we could do better is not. But man, I just hate trends. And this green social responsibility trend is just getting started in our society. So, I thought I'd take some time out to poke fun at it. Because some of the tips I'm starting to hear basically suggest that we regress into caveman behavior - using the sun to cook rice and all that. Yes, we need to be better global citizens, but does that mean we give up on all that separates us from the cro mags? What do you think, guys?

This is some fun political commentary. I went into Times Square this week to ask masses of Americans for whom they'll be voting in the US Presidential Election come November. And since it was Times Square, there was no shortage of crazy. Which was awesome! There was also a clear winner, which surprised me. I intentionally tried to ask people from all cultures, races, creeds, and social status, and still I was kind of surprised at the clear-cut result. It was also nice to hear a lot of intelligent answers in the mix, too. While I was incredibly annoyed (as usual) at the bustling, pushing mass of busy bodies that is Times Square or any tourist gathering in the city, I was also strangely proud of the diversity of opinion and intelligence - with just the right dash of absurd - that poured forth from my fellow Americans. So watch the video and then let me know, who do you want to win? NOTE TO FOREIGNERS: just pretend you CAN vote on my site here, ok? Your political commentary vote counts. With ME.

American politics. GAWD I'm sick of them. I mean I'm sick of all politics, globally, exponentially, but right now, with all this rhetoric-filled convention crap going on, I'm really sick of this upcoming US election broohaha. [sic?] I tried to watch the Democratic National Convention for about a minute, while Bill Clinton was speaking - and you guys say I look tired? - and had to shut it off. I was depressed. Luckily, I had some good wine at the ready. There is no way I'm watching a minute of the Republican National Convention, that is for sure. Alas, you guys here on the Forum have reminded me that the rest of the world is counting on us Uhmericans to vote. For Obama. Sigh. Ok. I will. Please to enjoy this political video.

At the start of this summer, I took a break from my web talk show and went to Cozumel, Mexico, where I stayed at the house of a friend for 10 perfectly awesome days. While I was there, I made sure to check out as much of the local culture and favorite places as possible, including their beaches. One day, I was relaxing at a quiet, secluded beach restaurant (bar), eating some ceviche mixto, enjoying a leetle drink, and I noticed that some good music was wafting from their speakers. Some REALLY good music. It was my first introduction to Cumbia, the dance music from Colombia. A variant of the African Guinean cumbe music, Cumbia is highly rhythmic and full of emotion. I loved it. In fact, I bought the CD from the bartender right then and there with the pesos I had. The CD has been the backdrop of my entire summer, so I thought I would do a video on my leetle web talk show for my favorite song on it. It's a song called Cuerpo Sin Alma, and it rules. Enjoy.

So gem66meg brought up the topic of the death penalty again on the Residential Forum, and it reminded me that it was a social and cultural issue I had been meaning to cover in a political video. Thanks, Gemmeg! Then, I read this story, which is essentially it is about a guy on death row in Ohio who says he is too fat to be executed. The way people are executed there is by lethal injection, and the guy asserts that it will be too hard to find a vein and that his extra weight might weaken the lethally injected drugs, making it take a lot longer and be a lot more painful for him to die. The guy was convicted of rape and murder, by the way. So, yeah…watch the video and then give your two cents on the issue of death penalty. Are you for it, or against it? Full story

I lost my father to cancer last year, and it sucked. Before then, I did not know what it was like to not only lose someone, but to lose someone to a disease that kills them slowly, painfully, while all you can do is watch. Not fun. Since it happened, more and more people that I know have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer. It is an awful, awful disease that I would not wish on anyone. So when I was approached by Stand Up To Cancer.org to help them get the word out about their work with a little alternative news piece, it was a no brainer. Of course! So I have formed a team with them to help raise money against this awful disease. The name of my team is Screw You, Cancer!Come check it out and see how you can help screw cancer, too.

As the US plummets into an economic recession, many bad side effects are being felt by all: the higher cost of gasoline and oil is translating to a higher cost of everything. This sucks. But, I can't help but wonder: is there a glaring positive side to this social issue for our culture and society, too? That might sound really unpatriotic, and I'm sure I'll be accused of being a countercultural traitor of some sort, but to me it rings true. We SHOULD be biking to work. We SHOULD be figuring out ways to cut our dependency on foreign oil, sinking resources into alternative, renewable, eco-friendly fuel sources. We SHOULD be sinking less money into other environmental, cultural, and social pollutants, like paper products, gossip magazines, and seven hundred dollar handbags. A recession will make us stop and think about where we dispose of our disposable income, since we'll have less of it. And we might just make a lot of choices that are better for our planet, for our culture, for our global status. No one likes us anymore, America: so maybe we need this economic time-out to figure out why. So now, go ahead: call me a big fat traitor. I'm used to taking the abuse. Let me know your two cents on this social issue.

This episode of my web talk show is a little bit different: I had two of my favorite artists sit down to interview each other on the state of art in our culture and society today. Meet Tomato from the rock band, The Sound of Urchin, and Adam Lough, the director/writer of “Bomb The System”, “The Upsetter”, and “Weapons.” Adam’s won awards from Sundance, Tomato has rocked it hard at South by Southwest. Both have faced the frustration of having to deal with business people and constraints when trying to just get their art out there to the public. Both are currently dealing with the effects of the Internet and social networking as well. While it’s true that now anyone can put their out there, it’s also true that the market is now flooded with a lot of talentless fame-seekers. Watch the web talk show interview to hear some really interesting stories and perspectives from both Adam and Tomato, then share your own thoughts in the Comments.

A tree now grows in Brooklyn...because of me. That's right: Watch this little online video to see me plant a tree in Brooklyn, and then try to tell me that I'm not environmentally awesome! So, yes. I do believe in everyone on the planet being a little more aware of how our culture advocates trashing the planet, and I do believe we need to start changing our eco-behavior. However, it really was a bummer to me when being environmentally-conscious became so trendy, it got its own name - Going Green. And it got its own TV channel (of which I'm a part. Sigh.). I hate trends so much, it almost was enough for me to start embracing planet-trashing again! Alas, I think this is the first case I've ever seen where a trend is doing our culture some good. The only way the ENTIRE planet is going to change its ways is if its under the spell of a trend, because the majority of people are followers, not leaders. So. There you have it: a trend, used for the good. Still not sure how to feel about it...thoughts on this social responsibility issue?

Yes, people probably assume I'm a Democrat, with my liberal point of view and counter-cultural tendencies. However, I am actually registered independent of any political party. I've never voted Republican, granted, but it's not just a liberal-versus-conservative kind of thing for me. It's a whole-package thing. There are so many issues on the table this election year, and I'm not quite sure if either candidate is able to solve it all. The fact is Washington DC is a quagmire of interweavings, lobbyists, special interests, and bla bla bla. So I tend to vote for the candidate that I feel will inspire the general populace in a way that promotes social and cultural progress and change. So this year I'm voting for Barack Obama. Let's see what happens! Please to enjoy this political video.

As Web 2.0 is now in full swing, I thought I'd dedicate a show to seeing how everyone is feeling about the Internet these days and the social issue of how it’s affecting our day-to-day. A lot of good has come from it, but there are some obvious downfalls that we might want to get in check. I, for one, know that if I have to deal with just one more email account, my head might explode. And all the Facebook and MySpace and social network action just eats up so much of my time. It's too much! What a Catch 22. I mean, the Internet is a great tool on many levels. You can't beat it for research purposes. You can find so many interesting things out there in our culture, like new music, movies, and other forms of entertainment. And you can't beat it for news. But then, it just socially kills a lot of our relationships. How many times have YOU gotten in a fight because a tone or message was digitally miscommunicated? You get what I'm getting at here. So, what do you think? Who's in control here, the Internet, or us? Let me know your two cents on this social issue.

No doubt, plastic surgery has become a social issue. In our American culture, plastic surgery is supposed to make people look younger and prettier, and it's supposed to make them feel more confident and socially acceptable. To me, all those feelings should come from within. A lot of people say I am genetically lucky so I shouldn't mouth off about how lame plastic surgery is, but I'm no Barbie doll, ok? There are plenty of things I don't find perfect about myself physically. I've just accepted them, because they're really not that important. The worst thing about plastic surgery becoming mainstream to me is that, the more socially accepted it becomes, the weirder people are starting to look. And people just assume that you've had it if you have a small nose or big knockers. I've never had anything done, and I don't intend to. One thing I've certainly learned over the years is to never say never, but I just can't imagine going under a knife to look prettier. Is it just me, or does anyone else out there think that people who don't feel good about themselves should try working on their insides first? Let me know your two cents on this social issue.

I’m a complicated, complicated woman concerned with all sorts of social issues, ladies and gentlemen. I must be, because I totally like a guy to hold the door for me and give me his coat if I’m cold at his own temperature-expense. And yes, it’s nice if he pays for dinner, too. But I totally want the same opportunities in the workplace as the same guy, along with the same paycheck for the same job. That seems a little hypocritical, doesn’t it? I’d rather call myself complex than hypocritical about it, though. Seriously though: dudes just aren’t as chivalrous in our society as they used to be. Forget about a guy getting up for you on the subway, ladies: you’ll have to stand while they make camp with their DS. No matter how much venom you spew from your evil eye. It’s true. I’ve tried. They don’t rise for eye-venom. All in all, the women’s movement was socially and culturally a good thing. I mean I cannot imagine being raised to believe I should be in the kitchen barefoot and preggers. But still: a little bit of niceness was taken away from our society, I think. Maybe we need to all just remember to be nice and courteous to other folks, no matter WHAT sex they might be. At least that’s what I got from folks when I talked to them recently on the streets of New York City. So what do YOU think: is chivalry dead?

May 2008 marks Israel’s 60th Birthday. So I figured it was a good time to do a political video to get a handle on the history of the conflict between Israel and Palestine and learn why it’s such a social, religious, and cultural hotbed. Watch the interview to hear Darya’s very easy-to-grasp explanation from a historical and current viewpoint. The great thing about Darya is she is half Palestinian, half Israeli, so if there is anyone who has a strong tie to it and compassion for both sides, it is she. The takeaway for me is that, no matter what has happened in the past, it’s time to move on and create a safer living environment for people who live everyday in society there. It’s just like anything else, from a fight in a marriage to a schoolyard brawl: people need to let bygones be bygones, forgive, and more forward. Each side has valid points and feelings. And most of the people in the Middle East want a peaceful environment to live and raise their kids in. Unfortunately, the minority that straps bombs onto themselves get all the press and sway people politically and emotionally. Go figure. The situation is a mess over in the Middle East, to be sure. But like everything else on the planet, from my perspective, it’s still not anything to give up on. While we’re here, alive and able to impact the planet, I think it’s our duty to try to do so on a positive level. Peace CAN be achieved over there. And you can help. Visit OneMillionVoices.org to learn how OneVoice has started a positive, peaceful political movement in the Middle East which is swiftly moving from the countercultural to the mainstream, and how you can help it along.

I’ve never had an abortion, so I have kind of removed or hypothetical political commentary on this one. If you were to ask me hypothetically if I would get one, I could hypothetically say no, I can’t imagine myself ever being able to go through with it. But the real answer is how the hell would I know? There isn’t a little fetus inside of me right now. Ask me then how I’d feel. And that’s what kills me about the whole abortion issue: people in our society trying to tell other people what to do or what they would do if they all of a sudden had an unwanted pregnancy. That’s a really difficult situation to be in, and I can’t imagine trying to tell someone what to do about it. You might believe that a soul enters this world at the moment of conception, but there is just no hard proof of that. And without hard proof, how could you possibly want to harm someone who believes something other than you? One thing I’m sure of is I’ll never be sure of anything in this life, so the last thing I’m going to waste my time on is getting in someone else’s face about the way they’re spending their time here on the planet. But that’s just my two cents. Watch the video to hear other people’s spare change! Then let everyone know your political commentary here, too.

For this political commentary video, I thought I’d tackle the tricky topic of abortion. It’s an issue that affects us politically, socially, culturally, religiously. So I thought, when I hit the street to ask people whether they were for or against it, that I would surely get pelted with rotten tomatoes. But nope. Instead, all I got were some insightful answers. Granted, these are slanted pretty liberal — I was in countercultural Mecca Washington Square in New York City after all. But it’s always great to hear people stop, think, and expound intelligently. Personally, whenever I come across an issue where some people are so convinced they’re right that they’re willing to harm those they think are wrong, I tend to clam up about it. I don’t want some crazed maniac hitting me — is that so wrong? To me, human brains are big enough to muddle up everything, and everything can be really complicated, so I’m pretty sure there is nothing I’ll ever be 100% sure of. So I can’t imagine trying to convince someone they’re wrong and I’m right to the point where I want to bomb their clinic/house/whathaveyou. Basically I’m saying that, for me, the real issue around abortion isn’t whether or not the act itself is right or wrong. It’s whether or not it’s right to act out violently against people with opposing beliefs. But that’s just my two cents. Watch the video to hear other people’s spare change! Then let everyone know your political commentary here, too.

Here’s a little political commentary for you: Am I the only American who is sick of the Presidential Election race for 2008? I mean, it's really an amazing year, a great political and cultural opportunity for our country: we are finally getting rid of our crappy President, George W. Bush. AND we might have an African American president. AND we're getting rid of our crappy President, George W. Bush. Yes! This is awesome, and I'm excited about that. However, leave it to traditional media to over-cover it and suck the life right out of it. Leave it to them to focus on the most unimportant issues and sensationalize everything like a candidate's middle name instead of focusing on, oh...I don't know...they're health plans. Or concrete plan for getting out of Iraq. The presidential elections have become yet another three-ring circus because of the media, and I'm sick of it. Just had to get that off my chest this week. Carry on. That’s just my political commentary. What do you think?

This political commentary is on one heavy, highly controversial issue. After September 11th, 2001, I live a little differently — especially as a New Yorker. When I get into a subway car, I look around the car for suspicious looking people. I used to just look for smelly bums to avoid, but now I avoid people looking around suspiciously or for people with suspicious wires hanging around them or strange-looking packages in their laps. This is our culture today. I’ve gotten off trains many times because someone looked really shifty. I yelled at a dude next to me on a plane who wouldn’t turn off his cellphone when we were taxiing for takeoff. I avoid Grand Central like the plague. Like an infected mosquito. Like it’s a mucous-laden child. And still, I know nothing of what it’s like to live in a politically- and culturally-charged place like Israel or Palestine, where people regularly strap bombs to themselves for the sole purpose of killing regular passersby in society like myself. I know nothing of what it’s like to live in Iraq, where a foreign country has invaded and my own people go to extreme violent lengths and I could get caught in the middle, any day. Where political reform is a matter of life and death. All of this sucks. People being so pissed off that they’ll hurt innocent people suck. As long as we’re alive, we should strive for a more peaceful planet, or at least letting people just live and let live. Visit OneMillionVoices.org to learn how OneVoice has started a positive, peaceful political movement in the Middle East which is swiftly moving from the countercultural to the mainstream, and how you can help join their political cause. And watch my political commentary interview with Darya Shaikh for a brief but really helpful history of the conflict and how her organization works tirelessly for a better future.

I won’t pretend to know all the information, ins, and outs of the United States of America’s situation with Iraq and all the social, cultural, political, and financial reasons we’re at war with them right now for the sake of this political video. I consider myself a pretty informed human, but the bottom line is no average citizen can know everything going on behind all the closed doors of politics, especially when it comes to something this charged with political controversy. I’m no countercultural conspiracy theorist, but there just must be information we’ll never be privy too. And that really still doesn’t matter to me, because I don’t believe war is ever a solution. Unless I found out that the entire Iraqi people had gotten together and decided that they would live for the sole purpose of killing every American in our society and had started to put a plan in place to do that, I can’t condone going to war with them. The citizens of Iraq at large had nothing to do with 9/11. The United States of America harbors terrorists, just like Iraq does. And our terrorists aim their insanity at our citizens, too. So whose terrorists are worse? Anyway. I hit the streets of New York City to ask people what they think about our war with Iraq. And no, all you conservatives who love to cry LIBERAL at me any chance you get: I did not JUST talk to people who are against the war. Both sides here. I even RAN a block to talk to the guy in the cowboy hat because I totally pre-judged him as pro-war. You’ll be as surprised as I was to hear HIS answer…

This is some serious political commentary here now, aight? I’ve never even hit someone. Have you? Have you ever taken your hand, balled it into a fist, pulled it back with all your might, and then let it power forward into another human being’s body, causing them physical pain? It hasn’t even occurred to me to do this when I’ve been angry at someone. So I really can’t imagine declaring war on a whole other PEOPLE, let alone PERSON. And yet, here we are in society, in a war with no exit in sight, just like many other countries on the planet (see: Israel vs. Palestine or US vs. Vietnam). Talk about controversial politics here, folks! Unless it’s in self-defense, violence is never something that will make sense to me. And whole countries going to war – well, to me I can’t ever see that as self-defense. Sorry. You won’t convince me. To me, war is just another act of terrorism — using violence to get your way. So isn’t a war on terror redundant? What’s your two political commentary cents on this one?

This political video focuses on Affirmative Action. Affirmative Action is a set of policies and laws established in American society to enforce diversity and, as an end result, curb prejudice and racism. Affirmative action has also become a controversial political issue here in the US. My main problem with this is the idea of enforcing diversity: people should be culturally open-minded enough to not be racist or prejudiced without law enforcement, right? So I guess my main problem with it is my main problem with any type of authority in general, the whole being-told-what-to-do-when-I-already-know-what’s-right-for-me-thing. So yes, initially when I decided to tackle Affirmative Action, I was against it for the whole enforcement thing. But then I asked people on the street their opinions, and man, it really got me thinking. I still feel like people shouldn’t have to be forced to culturally diversify or say, go to school 30 miles away just to make sure there is a healthy mix of black and white kids in all the school districts. But if people live in silos and are never exposed to other cultures, races, or skin colors, they’re going to remain wary of them. Because people are scared of what they don’t know or understand. All of this leads me back again to one truth I know about my own life: I’m damn happy to live in New York City! I mean, diversification here? Not an issue. You can’t help but rub elbows, literally, with at least 3 different cultures and skin types in each and every day. And I love that. I love meeting people very socially different from me, because I am constantly learning more about the world and ways to look at it. Since we only have a short amount of time here, why NOT explore as much of this planet as you can?

This political video focuses on Affirmative Action. Affirmative Action is a set of policies and laws established in American society to enforce diversity and, as an end result, curb prejudice and racism. Affirmative action has also become a controversial political issue here in the US. My main problem with this is the idea of enforcing diversity: people should be culturally open-minded enough to not be racist or prejudiced without law enforcement, right? So I guess my main problem with it is my main problem with any type of authority in general, the whole being-told-what-to-do-when-I-already-know-what’s-right-for-me-thing. So yes, initially when I decided to tackle Affirmative Action, I was against it for the whole enforcement thing. But then I asked people on the street their opinions, and man, it really got me thinking. I still feel like people shouldn’t have to be forced to culturally diversify or say, go to school 30 miles away just to make sure there is a healthy mix of black and white kids in all the school districts. But if people live in silos and are never exposed to other cultures, races, or skin colors, they’re going to remain wary of them. Because people are scared of what they don’t know or understand. All of this leads me back again to one truth I know about my own life: I’m damn happy to live in New York City! I mean, diversification here? Not an issue. You can’t help but rub elbows, literally, with at least 3 different cultures and skin types in each and every day. And I love that. I love meeting people very socially different from me, because I am constantly learning more about the world and ways to look at it. Since we only have a short amount of time here, why NOT explore as much of this planet as you can?

This political commentary interview is pretty special to me. The ACLU is one very interesting, culturally significant organization to me, one that gets a TON of flack of being ultra-liberal, yet at the same time has defended such ultra-conservatives as the KKK and super-religious groups. The ACLU is basically all about one thing: protecting people’s constitutional rights as members of society in the United States. How great is that? To lots of people, it’s great up until they realize that that means they’re about protecting people with opposing beliefs as much as they’re about protecting yours. And that’s where the flack comes in. People get caught up in the fact that the ACLU protects people with different beliefs than their own, and that makes them maaaaaaad. To me, I think the ACLU is a necessary, great organization in American politics that is mind-bogglingly level-headed in their ability to represent both the liberal left and the conservative right — from the countercultural ultra-extremes to everything in between. So I decided to interview them about what they feel is right or wrong. And Chris Hanson does a wonderful job of telling me that right or wrong doesn’t play into their jobs: only protecting people’s rights is the right thing. I really enjoyed this interview and think the ACLU is a great organization. That’s just my political commentary. What do you think?

A lot of my show is dedicated to making political commentary on issues that people feel strongly about in society and get their panties in bunches over. People sure be sure ‘bout what they think is right and what they think is wrong! I, too, have pretty strong feelings on the right and the wrong of our society. I feel pretty strongly that it’s right to live and let live, and when people don’t do that, I get mad. There are lots of people out there who believe living and letting people live while doing what they see as tremendous wrong is shameful, too. Like, when I covered the US/Iraq War: people strongly supported the war with the argument that we’re morally obligated to go in that country to shut down Hussein’s raping, killing, oppressing regime. It is our duty as moral people to stop people from raping, this one person said. Well, ok. If I see someone raping someone in front of me, you can be sure I’ll try to stop it. But invading the whole society of Iraq on the premise of stopping a rape: isn’t that a bit of a stretch? Anyway. I’m totally digressing again. The point isn’t about rape and war or other issues in political news. The point is that there are generally ALWAYS at least two ways to view the same thing in any society. So who’s to say your way is the right way, right? Which is why I tend to live by a live-and-let-live code. Cuz I’ll be durned if I know if I’m right half the time. That’s just my political commentary. What do you think about it?

So. The issue of immigration has become a huge controversial political issue in this fair country of mine, the USA. Some people are just done with letting other people from other countries come on into this country and be citizens altogether. Some people are still ok with legal immigration, they’re just sick and tired of other people sneaking in to this country illegally. Some of those people want to hunt down all illegal immigrants and get them out of this society, now. Some of those people are willing to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants who are here now and have raised their families here, and to work harder to make sure no one else comes illegally. And then there are people like me who have a whole lotta trouble with the concept of borders in general. I mean, really. What’s with all this line-drawing and stuff? Since when did it become possible for inanimate entities like countries to own land? So weird. So weird! Our world is just so weird. But, being a human living in society, I must deal with the concept of borders as a reality because I really don’t want to live in a booby hatch. So ok fine. Country borders are real, and ours in the US are being crossed illegally a lot, and a lot of those illegal people come on over and steal jobs or undermine wages or commit crimes or form horrible counterculture regimes whilst they’re here. Boo. Hiss. That sucks. But I just still can’t agree with people who think we should close our borders, because…well for one thing, The Statue of Liberty. Our country was built on immigration. We are all 3rd or 4th generation here, unless you’re of American Indian descent. So how can we decide to close our borders now, especially at a time when people in countries like Mexico and Cuba are hurting as much as they are and we have a lot more than they do? There are a lot of factors involved with the US immigration situation and we certainly need to try to fix it. To me it’s simple: make it easier for people to immigrate here more easily, or take down the statue of liberty and let the world know that the US has entered a new phase and has a new slogan now. But that’s oversimplifying it, I know. Watch this political video, then let me know what YOU think.

So. The issue of immigration has become a huge controversial political issue in this fair country of mine, the USA. Some people are just done with letting other people from other countries come on into this country and be citizens altogether. Some people are still ok with legal immigration, they’re just sick and tired of other people sneaking in to this country illegally. Some of those people want to hunt down all illegal immigrants and get them out of this society, now. Some of those people are willing to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants who are here now and have raised their families here, and to work harder to make sure no one else comes illegally. And then there are people like me who have a whole lotta trouble with the concept of borders in general. I mean, really. What’s with all this line-drawing and stuff? Since when did it become possible for inanimate entities like countries to own land? So weird. So weird! Our world is just so weird. But, being a human living in society, I must deal with the concept of borders as a reality because I really don’t want to live in a booby hatch. So ok fine. Country borders are real, and ours in the US are being crossed illegally a lot, and a lot of those illegal people come on over and steal jobs or undermine wages or commit crimes or form horrible counterculture regimes whilst they’re here. Boo. Hiss. That sucks. But I just still can’t agree with people who think we should close our borders, because…well for one thing, The Statue of Liberty. Our country was built on immigration. We are all 3rd or 4th generation here, unless you’re of American Indian descent. So how can we decide to close our borders now, especially at a time when people in countries like Mexico and Cuba are hurting as much as they are and we have a lot more than they do? There are a lot of factors involved with the US immigration situation and we certainly need to try to fix it. To me it’s simple: make it easier for people to immigrate here more easily, or take down the statue of liberty and let the world know that the US has entered a new phase and has a new slogan now. But that’s oversimplifying it, I know. Watch this political video, then let me know what YOU think.

So I got to go and cover the 2007 Clinton Global Initiative Annual meeting for this political video, and it was a really neat experience. First off, being in a room with the socially coolest US President of my generation Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Michael Eisner, Ted Turner, and hundreds of other heads of state, industry, and entertainment (including YouTube founders Chad and Steve) was just plain cool. I will admit it: I totally had a heart-swell moment when they started playing the presidential music while Clinton took the stage. I felt a profound connection to my culture at large. During the first ten minutes while he talked, I was riveted. Moved. Felt very proud of my society and all that rubbish. Cut to 2 hours later, and other heads of state and industry were still talking about how they’re all doing good for the economy and environment. Not so riveted anymore. Not so moved. In fact, wanted to move very badly, but felt it was in bad taste. Basically, the point of the Initiative is to help companies link up and network with each other to help each other do positive things for the world, be it environmentally, socially, culturally, or otherwise, through this sort of grassroots political meeting. Now, I firmly believe that actually happens through this Initiative. People were really making connections and had good intentions and a LOT of good came out of it. But…man…after two days of being around politicians and political volunteers…ESPECIALLY the volunteers, the ones that looked like their names were Muffy, specifically: well, I had had enough. I don’t know how politicians do it. All that watching every movement you make and every word you speak for fear of not perfectly walking the line and pissing someone off…man! Not. For. Me. At the end of the day, the experience made me dislike and distrust politicians even more. But it also gave me more respect for those involved in politics that actually get positive stuff done. Anyone who can put up with all that crap to get something positive done, I give you my kudos. To the rest of you in politics — and I do mean YOU, MUFFY! — you’re a grotesquely self-righteous, evil breed. Oh! And Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were there, too!

When I posted this political commentary puppy on YouTube, people went bananas over it. I got a ton of flack from folks calling me un-American (whatever that means…the phrase ITSELF is un-American because American is supposed to stand for freedom of the individuality), countercultural riotess, social outcast, and more. To me, that was pretty funny. And showed me how a lot of people don’t have high levels of reading comprehension. Or watching comprehension, even. Because the point of this video is to explore why OTHER people dislike my country. It clearly does not say, “Why The Resident Hates the USA”. I happen to love my country. It has a lot of social and cultural faults, like the way it bullies other countries around and tends to be fat and content with all the spoils we’ve acquired over the years. Or how we have a super douchebag for a President (hopefully not for much longer!). But still, I love this country. Our constitution is pretty unbelievably written and idealistic, right up my alley. The rights that US citizens are given just by being born here are awesome! And even as we head into what looks like a pretty steep depression, we still have a lot of food, shelter, and clothing. We have a lot of really neat land to travel and explore without leaving our own borders. We create a lot of great music and art. And by and large, we’re pretty decent (if naïve at times) people. So, I love my country. But yes, it has its faults, and I think that’s what people in other countries tend to focus on, because our faults tend to inflict damage on other countries. So, I wanted to hear about why other people hate our country. Because the only way to fix something is to admit there’s a problem in the first place, right? That’s why I made this sort of political commentary video. Whatcha think?

USA When I posted this political commentary puppy on YouTube, people went bananas over it. I got a ton of flack from folks calling me un-American (whatever that means…the phrase ITSELF is un-American because American is supposed to stand for freedom of the individuality), countercultural riotess, social outcast, and more. To me, that was pretty funny. And showed me how a lot of people don’t have high levels of reading comprehension. Or watching comprehension, even. Because the point of this video is to explore why OTHER people dislike my country. It clearly does not say, “Why The Resident Hates the USA”. I happen to love my country. It has a lot of social and cultural faults, like the way it bullies other countries around and tends to be fat and content with all the spoils we’ve acquired over the years. Or how we have a super douchebag for a President (hopefully not for much longer!). But still, I love this country. Our constitution is pretty unbelievably written and idealistic, right up my alley. The rights that US citizens are given just by being born here are awesome! And even as we head into what looks like a pretty steep depression, we still have a lot of food, shelter, and clothing. We have a lot of really neat land to travel and explore without leaving our own borders. We create a lot of great music and art. And by and large, we’re pretty decent (if naïve at times) people. So, I love my country. But yes, it has its faults, and I think that’s what people in other countries tend to focus on, because our faults tend to inflict damage on other countries. So, I wanted to hear about why other people hate our country. Because the only way to fix something is to admit there’s a problem in the first place, right? That’s why I made this sort of political commentary video. Whatcha think?

So here we are, in the year 2008, and many people still feel like homosexuality is a cultural abomination. A choice to give in to devil-driven sexual impulses. At least, that’s the political commentary over it here in the US. Amazing, right? The REALLY amazing thing is that a lot of those people even have loved ones that are gay. Also amazing: people not realizing that if someone chose to be gay, they’d be choosing an ultimately rough social road — one filled with prejudice, scorn, and a lot less rights. Which defies logic. At least to me. I personally feel like being gay is not a sexual or cultural choice. I’ve seen kids the age of 6 who are just gay, no two ways about it. That 6 year old doesn’t even know what sex is yet, but there’s no doubt that their sexual orientation is already there. So how can THAT be a choice? That’s just my political commentary on it. There are others who don’t even care if it’s a choice or not. They feel even if it’s not a choice, it’s still just plain wrong for people to be gay. Whatever to those judgmental people, I say. I’m sick of them. I’m sick of the stupid battle to give gay couples the right to marry. People are in love and want to get married? Let them! It’s not like they’re getting an enormous tax break or costing the system anything extra. They just love each other and want to be able to be the one to say whether to pull the plug when their life partner is in the hospital and other social rights not granted in a civil union. Let’s end the political controversy over this issue and just let same-sex couples marry already. I took it to The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to talk to them about the issue. Check out this really informative interview and let me know what YOU think.

So there are a lot of people who oppose same-sex marriages in this society of the United States of America. They feel that same-sex relations are a cultural abomination, that only one man and one woman should be together. They think same-sex marriages are some crazy countercultural devils. At least that’s part of the political commentary about the issue here in the US. Ugh. Sometimes people are so TIRING. I mean, look: every other animal on the planet has its own gay community, dogs and sea life and monkeys and all of them. Why should humans be different, because of our bigger brains? Because we’re supposed to separate how sex feels from its function and keep it strictly business? If that were the case, why should people have sex in general? Why shouldn’t dudes give their sperm to a sperm institution, and when it’s time to make a baby, a woman goes and picks some up from her husband’s deposits? I’m asking YOU, CRAZY CONSERVATIVES AGAINST SAME-SEX MARRIAGE! Yeah, you! Just let them get married already. They love each other and tend to raise more well-adjusted children because they really WANT those kids, unlike a lot of straight couples who have too many oopsies. Again. My two political commentary cents on this issue. What’s yours?

So, this little political video was my first to appear on the YouTube homepage, and consequently it was the first to get a whole lotta social networking website hate. Which is funny to me, because I think it’s kind of just a fact that the health insurance system in the United States is seven kinds of socially messed up. I’m not the first to make a political video on this particular issue. Drug companies are way up in politicians pockets through some heavy-duty lobbying, so the price of medication is through the roof. And insurance companies charge through-the-roof premiums that most individuals never see a return on. All this expensiveness drives up doctors’ prices. It all adds up to a lot of people not having insurance and not getting the care they should be able to get in a country where it’s readily available — just not affordable or economical. What to do, what to do? I’m at a loss why some people think it would be absolutely disastrous for our government to ensure healthcare coverage for all of its citizens, but I’m guessing it goes back to conservatives not wanting people to get taxed or blaming liberals and their stupid taxes for them not getting a new Ski-Doo this year. Ok, that’s pretty funny to me, right there. I’ve never written anything so pro-tax before. Ha! You know what? I happen to get taxed a LOT of my money, just about 40%. I live in the state with the highest taxes, AND I live in a city that has an additional tax upon my state taxes. You hear that, people in Illinois crying over taxes? I get taxed THREE TIMES. And I’m still pro-taxes. Because I still think it’s better to have a government helping its less-fortunate citizens than for me to have a Ski-Doo. NO MATTER HOW HARD I WORK. And I work really, really hard. Wow. This is my biggest digression yet. Whatever. Call me a socialist. A countercultural revolutionary. I care not. (Ok it would be cool if you called me that, honestly.) I think the government should get involved with protecting the healthcare options of each and every one of us in this society. Because poor people get more cancer and should have access to all the options that the Elizabeth Edwards of the world do, too. PS I’m a total fan of John Edwards. That’s not the point, either. I’m done. Just watch the video. It’s much funnier than this rant would lead you to believe.

Ok watch the video for all the science about how crappy airplanes are for the environment with all their spewed jet fuel and all. That is the point of this little political video. But not of this rant. This rant is about how I’m kind of ok with airline prices skyrocketing, and having to pay for baggage, and no more free earphones, and having to buy food in-flight. I’m kind of ok with all the social, cultural, and economic changes we as a country are facing as we plummet into a bona fide recession/depression. People need to stop flying around so much. Isn’t that the whole point of the digital age, all you business-travelers? Why must you burn up so much fuel to meet face-to-face, when you can video conference? No need to fly so much, Mr. Suit-and-Tie, other than you just want to get away from the Missus for a night. Repeat: we need to stop flying so much. Traveling occasionally to explore different parts of the world is important and everyone should be so lucky to be able to do that a few times while they’re here, but people do NOT need to fly as much as we do. It’s a horrid waste of resources, and I’m kind of feeling like the high cost of tickets might not be such a bad side-effect to this lovely depression we’re heading into. I’m kind of feeling like this depression thing might not be such a bad thing in general for our culture. It might give rise to a better counterculture. Oddly, it seems like our economic crises might lead to some much-needed political reform. Difficult, yes. Needed? Maybe. May. Be.

This is a really personal video, k? So be gentle with your commentary. K? So, I recently lost a loved one to a very mean and ugly disease. It rocked my world. I’d like to say that I consider myself privileged overall, though, to have made it this far in life and to only be losing a loved one now. A lot of people experience this pain a lot earlier in life, and a lot more often. So I’m really lucky to be only be going through this now for the first time. Still, it absolutely sucks. I miss him so much, I hate it. And when I lost him, I put out a video (See “Proverbial Roses”) about how the one positive aspect to this was that it reminded me to stop and smell the roses, because life is damn short, make no mistake about THAT. When I posted that personal video on YouTube, a fanfriend wrote to me and told me about his experience of flat-lining. He’s a paraplegic who lost use of his legs in a car accident. After the accident, he flat-lined in the hospital and they thought he was dead. He wrote to me and told me about that experience when he learned of my losing a loved one. And his story truly comforted me in that really crappiest time I’ve gone through yet. So thanks Tom, for this grassroots interview, and I hope you guys might find some solace in it, too. So what kinds of religion and beliefs are held about the soul in your culture or society, mainstream, grassroots, or alternative style? Feel free to share heartfelt comments here.

I don’t know if it’s only my good fortune or what, but a lot of people write in to my web talk show and try to convert me to their religion. Isn’t that awesome? No. It’s not. Please, everyone who does that or is thinking of doing that: your efforts are wasted. My MOM couldn’t tell me what religion to follow. You are certainly not going to be able to do so either. I was raised Catholic and live in the society of New York City, exposed to many types of religions and cultures on a daily basis. So I’ve dabbled in learning about each of them, as they come along. The bottom line is, I pretty much don’t like religions. Opiate of the masses and all that, all true to my ears. But that’s not why. I kinda feel like masses need opiates sometimes, even though I wish that weren’t true. I just personally don’t need an opiate, or a bunch of rules to explain to me who I am, how I should act, and where I’m going after I die. I am me. I should tread lightly on this Earth and try to leave only positive impacts wherever I may go. And I don’t believe it is my right or privilege to know what happens after I die. Watch this little social commentary, thought-provoking video on my web talk show for more specifics, then let me know what you feel about religion, its role in our culture and in your life.

Hi. My name is The Resident, and I am an online addict. There is a good chance you are, too, since you are sitting here reading this or watching this web talk show. Although, this is QUALITY Internet time, to be sure. But MAN. With all the social networking sites out there these days, and all the blog action, and all the news and videos and ble ble ble ble ble. Whew. Who the hell has time for anything else? I recently asked someone what they like about the Internet so much, and they said it gave them so many choices. They could watch what they want when they want, download music and movies and TV shows they like, read up on topics that interest them…it’s all customizable culture. People like the Internet because it’s a medium they can control, in other words. You decide what content you’re going to be exposed to. Ain’t that grand? But I have to wonder: as we all spend so much time keeping up with all our email accounts, sites, and messages coming in from all angles, are we really the ones in control? Or is it starting to control us? That’s deep, right? So what do you think? Social commentary please! NOTE: This is one of my favorite personal videos of the whole of my online show. I made it quite a while ago before other people started coming clean. I’m so on-the-cusp with my web talk show.

This is a pretty funny video, but still a sociological study nonetheless. See? Studying CAN be fun! Basically, I think the word “hate” is overused in our culture today, especially when paired, as the verb, to the subject, “I”. The overuse of the word hate has kind of sucked the meaning out of a word and sentiment that once packed a punch in our society. And I don’t think that’s a good thing. So I thought I’d cover it on my web talk show. I mean, come on, right now when you say, “I hate that,” it really sounds like you’re saying, “Ugh, that again.” Doesn’t really convey true, utter, blinding, rage-filled hate, now, does it? Or at least: if that’s going to happen, we’ll be needing a new word with widespread acceptance as very bad to balance out our vernacular yin and yang, I think. So…what to replace hate with, what to replace hate with…Loathe is always a good one, but too archaic-sounding for the masses to use properly…Abhor sounds way too snooty…Repelled is nice, but it generally requires a preposition in this context and implies more of a physicality than pure hatred…Oooh! Oooh! I think I have one. Abominate! How about we start using abominate when we really hate something? And then it’ll make people laugh too because they’ll immediately picture the abominable snowman and…ok, maybe not. Crap. I hate it when I can’t think of the right word. Just forget it. Move along. Nothing to see here. Except of course for this social commentary thought-provoking video action for my web talk show, natch.

A lot of people have a tough time with change in their lives; they get all nice and comfy with the way their routines are and change just musses them up. Not me. I generally love change in my personal life, because change is an opportunity to make improvement. That’s why I like this here personal video for my web talk show. Social, cultural, and political change also generally lead to growth in a society. I guess most people don’t like it because it’s hard. It require work. Growing pains. Movement. To this I say: get off your lazy butt! Change is worth it! When I did this show on change, a lot of people were all, what about sickness, or an accident, or a plague? THOSE aren’t good changes! Gotcha, Res! And I’m all, yes, you are right. These are BAD changes. Bad change exists. But, when those adversities come along, there is still opportunity to make the most of it, re-jigger your life, and find something new and interesting again. The bottom line, though, is that there is only one constant in life, and that’s change. So you might as well embrace it, because nothing in your life is going to remain the same forever. When change comes, you might as well face it as a time for growth, no matter how hard/sad/miserable it might seem at first. But that’s just my two social commentary cents on my little web talk show…what’s yours?

You probably know by now that I hate cultural and social trends, of all shapes and colors and sizes. This extends to word and phrase trends, too. It’s just part of my countercultural personality I guess, that extends vastly into my web talk show. The problem with this, for my own self, is that it’s much easier to let a word trend slip into your vernacular than, say, a trendy pair of sunglasses. You have to buy those. The trendy word can just slip into your subconscious, ready for use, purely through cultural osmosis. Which sucks. Because I hate using trendy words or phrases. The latest one I hate right now is, “that being said”. It came out of nowhere, and now it’s everywhere in our popular culture. I’m really trying to make an effort to not say it, but it’s hard. Anytime I feel it rising, I’m trying to say “nonetheless” instead. Just because. I also hate the sudden present-tensing of everything. Have you noticed this one? People say things like this often, suddenly: “I’ve liked kayaking since I’m 14.” “I’m liking the color purple.” “I’m hating on this trend right now.” I’m totally Andy-Rooney-ing out here, I realize, but I sincerely do hate this shift in tenses. This is heartfelt hate. And this habit will probably be adopted into correct grammar, too, before we know it. Oh well. I guess grammar shifts are still better than just the big word trends. But man, just like any trend, the word and phrase trends come down to the same thing: we use a trend because it’s safe and identifies us as a working member of society and accepted by a common culture. I hate that, man. Choose your words, clothes, and job based on your own personal preferences, and not on what society dictates as acceptable this moment. Society is a fair-weathered friend anyway, and that trend is going to look something stupid before you know it. Just two more cents on my web talk show here.

This little ditty for my web talk show relates to “Ageism: Or, 80 is the New Baby”. This funny little online video is about how society is telling me that now would be a good time to have some offspring, and I’m just not feeling it yet. I don’t want kids right now. And I don’t know if I’ll want them in the future. So all you people who keep asking me, especially the ones with crying, drooling, stained kids bouncing on their hips — stop it. Stop it now. End the pressure. I don’t understand why people pressure other people to have children. Maybe that’s because I don’t have them, and they’re really trying to do me a solid. Maybe they are just brainwashed by our culture into thinking that there is a set time for having a baby in your life. I’m sure the love you experience when you have kids is like nothing else. I get that intellectually. So maybe people with kids who are pressuring me to have kids are really just trying to make sure I get to experience that love while I’m on the planet. Maybe. Maybe NOT, too. Somehow I just feel like they want me to be as miserable as they are, or as tired and overworked, or as frustrated with watching their own me-time and career goals get harder and harder to reach. This is not a nice picture I’m painting, I realize. But still. I can’t help but feel like they’re reaching out to me with sticky, drooled on, goopy-fooded-on fingers chanting, “come join us…come join us…” Anyway. I still don’t want kids yet. Maybe one day I will, but until then, all you baby-pushers, kindly shut the hell up. NOTE: This personal video is one of my all-time favorites and has been shown whenever I speak at conferences, conventions, etc. It always get a laugh, and women always be coming up to me after to say IFEELTHESAMEWAYOHMYGOD! That’s why this video form my web talk show rules.

This heartfelt personal video might be my all-time favorite of my web talk show. For real, yo! This video was my first bona fide YouTube homepage feature. They ran it on the top of their homepage on the day Kurt died. And honestly, if there was any video I would have chosen myself to share in such a high-profile way, it would have been this one. So thanks YouTube. But more so than that, thanks, Kurt. I read a lot, and Kurt is still my top favorite author. I like to go back to old favorites over the years to see if they still hold up. Some of them do, and some of them don’t. John Updike is an amazing writer, and while I respect his awesome talent and proliferation of work, I can’t say his work held up for me personally when I recently re-read the Rabbit series. It’s not that the work isn’t superlative: I just found it incredibly depressing this time around, and its messages didn’t resonate as much. I’ve had similar experiences with other writers over the years. But never with Kurt’s work. Maybe one day I’ll go back to it and feel like it’s not as perfectly right as I’ve always felt, but so far, by far, he’s still my number one. So this video for my web talk show is a little reading I did of his, coupled with my own commentary. It’s from his work, “A Man Without a Country”, a really great book about the culture of the United States and how he feels about it.

The meaning of a person’s life is a very individual kind of thing, just like the person his or herself. So I’m not going to try to ascribe a meaning that is right for all humankind here in this personal video. That would be dumb. I try not to be dumb, though sometimes it doesn’t work. Watch this lovely social commentary video to hear what I think the meaning of my own personal life is along with some other much smarter people. What I’m going to type in this here space of my web talk show, though, is the idea that I think it’s very important for every person in our society to figure out his or her own meaning. Even if it’s that life is meaningless so you are only here to have you some hedonistic fun before you go back to being mud, that’s fine. At least you’ve figured that out for yourself. That’s much more commendable than the alternative. The alternative of being one of those sheep of a human out there who just follows society around all their days without giving a modicum of thought to their own meaning or purpose. That’s the alternative I mean, which I think is worse than being a hedonistic loaf. To pass through life without taking the time to think about this precious gift of existence and what it means to the consciousness you got to be…that to me is a travesty. So, whatchoo got pegged as your personal meaning? Little commentary here for my web talk show, please?

This was my very first YouTube post. Which is not to say it was my first online video, obviously, but some people out there don’t realize that people like myself have been making Internet video long before the Earth became Googlified. I’ve been making social commentary and other kinds of cultural or grassroots, thought-provoking videos since 2000. Or not. Maybe I’ve been making a pile of steamers for the past 8 years. I just know I like my web talk show a lot, including this here awesome video. Enjoy!

I love the band, System of a Down. Again, one of my personal, heartfelt favorites. And their song, “Lost in Hollywood”, speaks to me personally about our culture in the US today. I am super-creeped out usually when I spend more than 4 days out in LA-LA-land (Los Angeles for all of you non-US viewers), so the lyrics to this song, well, ring true. Super ghetto and grassroots, I know. Still I think this video rulz.

This is also one of my favorite personal videos of my li’l web talk show. Please note: you should know my sense of humor right now, ok? Ok. So. I totally know the root of all our problems in this world. Isn’t that cool? We are a culture of symptom treaters. We are really lax on prevention. But wouldn’t it be great if we treated the cause instead of the effect? This is a gross generalization I realize, so of course there are going to be a myriad of exceptions. But, GENERALLY, we tend to focus on the aftermath of a problem instead of the cause. Take immigration. People are super focused on deporting all the illegal immigrants from here instead of focusing on why the hell we have so many illegal immigrants here. Here being where I live, the USA, I mean. We have so many illegal immigrants because we have a lot cushier life than a lot of people who risk their lives to come here. Since the grass is so much greener, people are going to continue to immigrate here whether we like it or not. So deporting ones that get here illegally is not going to fix the problem. We need to revisit work visa programs, allow for more and easier immigration, and enforce regulations for employment and taxation for anyone here. That’s just one example. Any example is the same, though. If we focused on fixing the problems themselves in our culture and society instead of dealing with the effects of the problems — a more preventative approach — things would be a lot better on this here planet. But that’s just this Resident’s two social commentary cents for my web talk show. What’s yours?

We all know art is an integral part of forming any culture or counterculture. But what IS art? Is it anything anyone intends to be art? Does it have to meet certain criteria to be categorized as art? Or does art become art as soon as someone makes something just to make some art? People get so opinionated on what art is best. Ever notice that? I feel like this happens mainly with music, in the circles I travel. The kind of music you like speaks volumes to your character. If you like music that is less accessible and involves more musicality, you are a more refined, artistic person. The converse would be true, too, naturally. Or so the music snob would have you believe. Personally I like my music to sound more on the grassroots tip. It’s the same for other art forms in our culture and society, too, right? Fashion. That’s another one where people get super snobby. Literature and film too. These are not to be confused with merely books and movies, either. You get what I’m saying, right? People are super judgmental when it comes to art. I have my tastes, and I’ve definitely both been the snob and been the snubbed. And there are definitely earmarks to works of art being more artistic than others, in all media. The bottom line I think is, art is art. Some is really bad, like when there is little effort, knowledge, genius, or combination thereof. And some is really good, when it does have those qualities innately. But even when it really sucks, and it still speaks to someone other than the artist…if just one other person is moved to feel something or think something by experiencing the piece…then that, I think, is art. I made this social commentary, ghetto grassroots art Vlog as a total joke, but when I posted it online, people really dug it. People felt it was heartfelt. So I guess I succeeded in making me some art! Even though I still think it’s a steamy pile of funny.

If you’re watching this bit o’ social humor web talk show, chances are you have an online name, or a handle. And I’m hoping you’ve signed up here with yours to share your two cents o’ social commentary on all the stuff we yap about over in these here woods. Have you ever come across someone else’s handle and wondered how the hell they came up with it? I certainly have. Some of them are extremely bizarre, some are plain funny, some are dumb…you get the point. It takes all walks of life to make this merry-go-round run, and the Internet is a great example of that. I chose my name, The Resident, back in the year 2000. I picked it to mean something generic, that I am just a person residing on this planet, going about the things most residents of planet Earth go about, experiencing much of the social and cultural movements that most residents do, or at least the ones watching online videos… Anyway, I thought it would be fun to take some time out to explore the cultural phenomenon of online handles and ask you why YOU chose your name and what it means to you. Don’t be shy now: let us all know your commentary right here and now on my little web talk show.

If you’re watching this bit o’ social humor web talk show, chances are you have an online name, or a handle. And I’m hoping you’ve signed up here with yours to share your two cents o’ social commentary on all the stuff we yap about over in these here woods. Have you ever come across someone else’s handle and wondered how the hell they came up with it? I certainly have. Some of them are extremely bizarre, some are plain funny, some are dumb…you get the point. It takes all walks of life to make this merry-go-round run, and the Internet is a great example of that. I chose my name, The Resident, back in the year 2000. I picked it to mean something generic, that I am just a person residing on this planet, going about the things most residents of planet Earth go about, experiencing much of the social and cultural movements that most residents do, or at least the ones watching online videos… Anyway, I thought it would be fun to take some time out to explore the cultural phenomenon of online handles and ask you why YOU chose your name and what it means to you. Don’t be shy now: let us all know your commentary right here and now on my little web talk show.

We can all thank Bonnie Fuller now on my little web talk show here. Let’s all just stand up and give this woman a big, fat, sarcastic round of applause please. If you don’t know who she is, she is the woman responsible for the proliferation of glossy gossip magazines and paparazzi culture we have moved into in this last decade. Sure, there were these gossip magazines for years. But they carried laughable stories about Bigfoot or other discreditable stories. They were more of a countercultural phenomenon than a culture and society killer. They were not the disgusting PR machines they’ve become now. Now, they are destroying our culture. They tell people who to care about, what to wear, whose enviable today, whose going to be fat tomorrow. They dictate material aspirations. But the worst part is, they don’t even do it based on their own preferences, or their own research of products to see which ones they like or find best. No! They just feature the brand that paid them the most for the page. And those brands include the stupid people in them. The stars being covered have publicists that pay for this coverage. Or, the stars being covered are being harassed by paparazzi or other disgusting means to be caught in degrading or disgusting postures. It’s all gross, and it all feeds on the worst of our culture and society. Not to mention they read like a transcript of an idiot’s internal monologue. Which is why I made this incredibly thought-provoking video in particular for my online show. So people, STOP BUYING GOSSIP MAGAZINES! If we stop buying them, we stop supporting the industry, and the industry must adapt to our better tastes. ‘K? So I decided to cover it on my awesome web talk show.

People in our society are so convinced that there are sentient beings out there beyond our planet that they’ve developed conspiracy theories, religions, and millions-of-dollars-grossing movie franchises about them. Personally, I haven’t given aliens or UFOs much thought. I haven’t had any personal experience with them. And I don’t feel like we’ll be any match for them should they choose to get up in our earthly faces, so I don’t see any point in preparing for an attack. And I have yet to meet anyone with actual proof of an encounter. So I just really haven’t thought much about them. I do really like alien renderings, though. And I enjoy how much flack Tom Cruise and Scientology get for their alien beliefs (yes, that was intended, dammit). And I also like how most people who believe tend to be folks with liberal viewpoints like mine own. And I do think that, yes, chances are pretty durn high that there are other life forms and alien societies out there. The universe is bigger than we could ever possibly fathom, and our planet is remarkably relatively small. So it’s definitely quite possible and imaginable. I lean toward that being the truth out there, for sure. But still, there is also a chance that all the ingredients and events that compounded together to form our life-sustaining planet is such a rare fluke, that it indeed has only happened here, or is only happening here right now, the only place in the universe at this time. Have you ever heard the idea that any two-choice scenario always has 50/50 odds, no matter how you add up outside factors? Like, say you are diagnosed with a certain type of cancer, and the doc says your chance of survival is a very strong 80%. Some people say that’s bunk. You will either survive or you won’t. It’s a 50/50. I kind of feel like that about aliens. It might seem like the odds are in favor of there being other forms of life out there, but still, it’s pretty much a 50/50 shot: either they’re out there, or they’re not. But a bunch of viewers have asked me to do an alternative news piece on the topic, because they do believe and think it’s an important topic, so here. Here is the social commentary on this issue. Now, please tell me why you think it’s very important that we delve into the unknown alien territory. Thanks!

People in our society are so convinced that there are sentient beings out there beyond our planet that they’ve developed conspiracy theories, religions, and millions-of-dollars-grossing movie franchises about them. Personally, I haven’t given aliens or UFOs much thought. I haven’t had any personal experience with them. And I don’t feel like we’ll be any match for them should they choose to get up in our earthly faces, so I don’t see any point in preparing for an attack. And I have yet to meet anyone with actual proof of an encounter. So I just really haven’t thought much about them. I do really like alien renderings, though. And I enjoy how much flack Tom Cruise and Scientology get for their alien beliefs (yes, that was intended, dammit). And I also like how most people who believe tend to be folks with liberal viewpoints like mine own. And I do think that, yes, chances are pretty durn high that there are other life forms and alien societies out there. The universe is bigger than we could ever possibly fathom, and our planet is remarkably relatively small. So it’s definitely quite possible and imaginable. I lean toward that being the truth out there, for sure. But still, there is also a chance that all the ingredients and events that compounded together to form our life-sustaining planet is such a rare fluke, that it indeed has only happened here, or is only happening here right now, the only place in the universe at this time. Have you ever heard the idea that any two-choice scenario always has 50/50 odds, no matter how you add up outside factors? Like, say you are diagnosed with a certain type of cancer, and the doc says your chance of survival is a very strong 80%. Some people say that’s bunk. You will either survive or you won’t. It’s a 50/50. I kind of feel like that about aliens. It might seem like the odds are in favor of there being other forms of life out there, but still, it’s pretty much a 50/50 shot: either they’re out there, or they’re not. But a bunch of viewers have asked me to do an alternative news piece on the topic, because they do believe and think it’s an important topic, so here. Here is the social commentary on this issue. Now, please tell me why you think it’s very important that we delve into the unknown alien territory. Thanks!

I hit the streets of New York City for my web talk show to ask this very question: why the hell aren’t you doing what you said you wanted to when you were a kid? How do dreams die so easily in our culture? Why do people give up on what they want? I think it’s probably because of good, old-fashioned laziness. You might think you want to be a lawyer when you’re a kid, but you don’t really realize how much work and schooling that involves. Once you find out, it’s accounting department clerk for you, thanks! Or, you grow out of childish desires. An astronaut might sound like a fun job to a 10-year old, but it’s actually a grueling, nausea-inducing kind of weirdo occupation. You’ll take financial advisor for $80K? Cool. I get it. But somehow, I still find it a bummer. Because there is quite a large part of the population in our society that just gives up on their dreams for lots of lame reasons. You only live once. I think it’s really important to try to live it as you can picture it in your wildest imagination. The people in this social humor video for my web talk show had some really great reactions to the question and a lot of great advice to stay the course. So what did you want to be, and are you working toward achieving it?

Bob Wiltfong is a super talented dude, whom I met after I heard about his pilot in the New York Television Festival a few years ago. We ended up doing a few projects for my web talk show together: you might recognize him from “The Christmas Spectacular”. Bob’s been on “The Chappelle Show”, “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart”, and a lot more awesome, culturally-popular fun stuff. We sat down to talk about the state of the television industry, what it’s like to work in TV and deal with the oodles and oodles of rejection, and how TV is affecting our culture and society in general. Watch the interview to see what he has to say. It’s a pretty insightful, funny video for my web talk show, I think. Then give your own social commentary on how TV is affecting our culture. I mean, if you want. If you FEEL like it.

This is another classic video for my little web talk show, I think, personally. I hit the streets of downtown Brooklyn to talk to people about what makes THEM happy. Now, pretty much anything I shoot in downtown Brooklyn is instantly a favorite of mine. One, because I live here and it’s really easy to lug the equipment there. And two, because it’s truly an area filled with unique, liberal, countercultural-driven characters. I think this here social commentary video is further proof of the latter. A lot of people tend to answer with the basics when asked the question, what makes them happy: time with family, friends, good food, good sex, and knowing their family is happy. And this is all true for me, too. Definitely. All that, and I’d add time spent with my dog, too. But I guess she’s family, so that counts. But I have to add another, which most people don’t add, and that’s my work. I really, truly enjoy making these videos and putting countercultural, social, or just funny commentary out there for people to react to. I get a lot of negative feedback every once and again, and it takes a huge amount of time, money, and effort in general to keep at it, but I generally enjoy this little job of making videos that I’ve made up for myself. I think that’s really important: for people’s jobs to make them happy. And that happens so infrequently. That’s such a misfortune, too, because people spend so much of their time here on the planet at their job. If they don’t enjoy that job, well…you see my point. Anyway, back to the funny Brooklynites on my web talk show. Enjoy their answers, then post your own morsels of happiness in the comments!

The Sound of Urchin is my favorite rock band. They are just plain fun, rockin’, rock ‘n roll. No stupid accents, no metro-hairdo’s. I’d call them an alternative to crap rock, but alternative rock has already turned crappy. And that’s not Urchin. There might be plenty of good rock out there in our culture nowadays, but you wouldn’t know it by listening to the radio, perusing high-level pages at the iTunes store, or by watching any purported music TV channels. Somewhere along the way, real, honest rock fell off our cultural radar. And that stinks. Rock is fun. Rock makes you move and brings you places you wouldn’t have gone. It involves more than the drum track of today’s pop rockers, and lyrics can actually be written by the person singing them. I sat down with Tomato, lead singer, drummer, and mind behind The Sound of Urchin, to talk about the state of the music industry in our society today and how his band has come to survive with grassroots touring and other ingenious ideas. He dives into what it’s like to be on and off major labels, why he thinks the music industry has let rock down, what its like to be a countercultural success in music, and more. I think this was an important piece for my little web talk show here.

David Wain is a founding member of “The State”, “Stella”, and a lot of other hilarious, grassroots comedy action. You can read his full bio here.I sat down with David to talk about what he thinks is funny and to find out what makes him tick in general. It’s weird when you meet someone whose work you find extremely hilarious, because it’s almost like you’re meeting them for the second time. Like you already have this relationship with them in your head, and then you meet them in person and you’re like, who the hell is this guy? That’s kind of the experience I had meeting David, because I am a big “Stella” fan, and I’ve always been a David-girl, not a Michael-girl. I pretty much expected him to come in a suit and tie, even though I knew he wasn’t going to come in a suit and tie. Anyway. They’re comedy is ultra-countercultural, way out there on the liberal fringe, and the majority of people would probably write it off as banal, sophomoric, or just plain not funny. And those people are WRONG! If you never caught “Stella” on Comedy Central, try to track it down online or get the DVDs. David’s grassroots show “Wainy Days”, which is on YouTube and the Internet at large these days, is also pretty damn funny. Actually, that’s where you can see it: MyDamnChannel.com.But first watch this funny video here on my little online show. It was one of my favorite interviews to do, ever. Even though he didn’t arrive in a suit.

I never thought puppets were funny. Ever. Not even in my “Sesame Street” days. But then I caught “The B-Team” from the guys at Charged, and I found myself laughing at some funny online videos of puppetry filled with ironic humor. OK, that particular show is more dolls than puppets, but I checked out their site after seeing “The B-Team” somewhere else online, and there are a lot of other puppets there that are really funny. These guys also live very close to me i